Fizzlebert Stump: The Boy Who Ran Away From The Circus (And Joined The Library) by AF Harrold

A really simple (but highly entertaining) story which is more or less summed up in the title! Fizzlebert is a young boy who is growing up in a travelling circus. Both of Fizz's parents are performers, his mother is a clown and his father is a strong man. Although he is happy, he has quite a lonely life as there are no other children in the circus. Because they are continually travelling from city to city, he never gets the chance to go to school and make friends, and is taught by the adults in the circus. When he is out exploring one day, Fizz walks into a library for the very first time. As he has never experienced one before, he is amazed by all of the incredible books that are available and tries to join and become a member. The librarian tells him that he is too young and that he needs to have his parents with him to fill in the paperwork. Fizz, bitterly disappointed, leaves the library. On his way back to the circus, he is approached by a very strange old couple. They tell him that they will happily pretend to be his grandparents so he can go back and join the library...but why?

I managed to read this book in one sitting, it's quite long but a very simple (and addictive) read. The writing is quite similar to Philiip Ardagh in style, with lots of asides for the reader, and some very funny scenes (one of my favourites is when Fizz tries to buy the books from the library as he doesn't understand how it all works). There isn't really a huge amount of plot but there doesn't need to be, as it is so engagingly written. I don't normally worry too much about the illustrations too much when I'm reading but these ones are great, full of life and energy. There is already a sequel available, Fizzlebert Stump and the Bearded Boy, which was published earlier this year and I have no doubt that the series will continue. It certainly should.

 

Highly recommended for Years 3-6. Any book which mentions how important libraries are for children is alright by me!

 

Mr Biddle.